The Widow Skimmer (Libellula luctuosa) is one
of a group of dragonflies known as the King Skimmers.
The species occurs across much of the U.S. except
in high mountain ranges, such as the Rocky Mountains.
"Libellula" is the Italian, Portuguese,
and Spanish word for dragonfly. Science has given
the Widow Skimmer the species name: luctuosa which
means "sorrowful"; The common name "Widow"
is an interesting extension of this latin term,
especially since males of this species do not
usually guard females while they lay their eggs.
Adult Widow Skimmer dragonflies hunt from a perch
located at the tip of grasses and wildflowers.
Males dramatically increase in size during their
breeding season. Females of the species rhythmically
dip their abdomens to the water while they fly
just above its surface, unaccompanied, but on
rare occasion guarded by a nearby male. Males
may be seen regularly combating to earn new or
keep old territories. As a species they are active
fliers and they inhabit most major streams and
river systems, lakes, marshes, and still bodies
of water, including marshy ponds, creeks, and
borrow pits. Mature males have dark patches with
white borders on both wings. Their abdomens start
out blue and turn to a dusty white as they reach
full maturity. Females and immature males distinct
in that they lack the white wing patches of mature
males, the thorax has a mid-dorsal yellow stripe
and their abdomens are dark with yellow edges.
Both sexes perch on common vegetation found in
fields and open areas. From their perches they
fly up to capture their prey.
Natural Widow Skimmers as with other dragonflies
are ferocious predators and mosquito munchers
that can consume as many as 300 insects in a single
day. Food is not the only thing that a dragonfly
will hunt. Most species survive as adults only
for a month or two, so mating is an urgent priority.
Like eating, mating takes place during flight,
the female lays her eggs in flight, and the circle
of life continues on.
Electronic Widow Skimmer Kits is one of our most
popular of the Duel dragonfly Complete Kits. Now
you can bring a touch of nature indoors with Wings
in Motion's amazing lightweight dragonflies with
natural wing movements and stunningly realistic
translucent wings that gives the appearance of
actual live dragonflies resting anywhere you wish!
The Widow Skimmer (Libellula luctuosa) Duel Complete
Kit comes with two electronic dragonflies! |
